Seemor
AcantoA-Worth Trying
18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
· Italian restaurant, Pasta shop
· 4.5/5 Google (1134 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Refined, candlelit Italian across from Millennium Park with standout pastas, polished service, and a strong wine program; pricier for the portions and occasionally inconsistent execution.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Acanto delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by house-made pastas and arancini, paired with attentive, personable service and a romantic candlelit setting across from Millennium Park. However, inconsistent execution on select mains and occasional service delays during peak theater hours prevent grade A territory. The intimate space and refined portions suit date nights and special occasions, making it competitive with the area's better neighborhood Italian restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
Across from Millennium Park, Acanto feels warm and candlelit with a polished wine-bar vibe. Reviews often mention considerate touches—"they noticed our celebration and sent a sweet treat"—and attentive, personable servers. The room is intimate and can feel busy at peak pre-theater times. The cooking leans contemporary Italian: house-made pastas, seafood, and a few modern flourishes like squid ink fusilli and 'nduja vodka sauce. Fans rave about the arancini and seafood fusilli, while a minority find the rigatoni or chicken piccata uneven. Portions skew refined rather than hearty; ideal for diners who value quality ingredients over volume. Families can make this work: pizzas, meatballs, and simple pastas are kid-friendly, though the space is cozier and more date-night. There is no kids menu noted, but options like Margherita pizza and meatball bucatini suit younger palates; consider earlier hours for comfort.
At a Glance
- Memorable arancini and polished wine program
- Candlelit, romantic atmosphere perfect for pre-theater
- Portions run small relative to price
- Inconsistent execution on a few mains (rigatoni, piccata)
- Expect peak-time delays or rushed pacing near theater hours
What Sets It Apart
- candlelit_wine_bar_vibe
- housemade_gluten_free_pasta
- prime_millennium_park_location
What People Love
- Romantic candlelit vibe
- House-made pastas with clean, focused flavors
- Friendly, attentive servers who notice occasions
- Convenient location steps from the park and museums
Points of Concern
- Some dishes land underseasoned or overly salty compared to the best items
- Small portions for the price may disappoint hearty appetites
- Peak times can bring slow initial contact or rushed table turns
- A few reports of brusque host interactions not matching otherwise warm service
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$58-$78 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share two starters (arancini + crudo), split one premium pasta, then a dessert for balance and value
- For families, opt for pizza plus meatballs to satisfy varied tastes
- Gluten-free diners: request house-made GF pasta preparations noted on menu
Perfect For
- Pre-theater dinner near Millennium Park
- Date night with wine and shared starters
- Solo happy hour bites at the bar
- Celebrations where service polish matters
Location Insights
Area: High-traffic cultural corridor opposite Millennium Park; caters to theatergoers, business diners, and visitors.
Safety: Busy, well-lit tourist and office district with steady foot traffic; generally safe.
Nearby: Across from park and near Art Institute, theaters, hotels, and offices; patio seating in season.
The LoopThe Loop offers a dynamic dining scene catering primarily to professionals during weekdays and tourists year-round. The atmosphere is fast-paced during business hours with many quick-service and upscale dining options, while evenings see a mix of theater crowds and locals enjoying bars and restaurants.
East LoopThe East Loop, near Michigan Avenue, is characterized by high-rise office buildings, luxury hotels, and upscale dining establishments. It attracts a clientele looking for convenient, quality meals and vibrant nightlife close to major attractions.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday16:00–23:00
Sunday16:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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